Your path to the perfect job starts with the perfect CV. In a world where first impressions matter more than ever, your CV is the gateway to landing that dream job. Crafting a CV that not only showcases your skills and experience but also leaves a lasting impact on recruiters can be a daunting task. 

But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the 7 steps that will transform your CV into a masterpiece, increasing your chances of success in your next job application. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, these essential strategies will equip you with the tools you need to stand out in a competitive job market.

The basics

A CV needs a lot of information – we wouldn’t want you to miss anything! So, what should you actually include on your CV?

• Contact details: Begin with essential details such as your full name, contact information, and current location. Its’ purpose? Allowing the recruiter to pick up the phone and call you right away!
• Work experience: Highlight your previous roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Think of this like presenting your greatest hits album to potential employers!
• Educational history: List your educational milestones – schools, degrees, and graduation dates. Of course, make this as relevant as possible. Your high school subjects don’t matter after your first few jobs.
• Internships: Still young and looking for your first proper job? Show off the valuable experiences you gained during internships. Of course, this won’t be very impressive – but this allows you to get your foot in the door at the best companies!
• Languages: Flaunt your linguistic prowess. If you’re fluent in languages other than your native tongue, let the world know you’re more than a one-language wonder. But, the few words of Japanese you picked up from watching Anime, you might want to leave that out.
• Skills and competencies: Alright! This is the most important. Your skill tells a recruiter, “will this person be successful in this role?” Compare this with your superhero toolkit for the job market. 
• Volunteering work: Share any volunteer work or community involvement – a glimpse of your altruistic side!
• Courses: Highlight any additional courses you’ve taken to boost your expertise. It’s like upgrading your character’s abilities in a career video game!
• Hobbies: Show your interests beyond the office walls. From knitting to skydiving, let your personality shine through your hobbies! Note that not every recruiter will enjoy the same things as you, so you can choose your hobbies somewhat strategically.
• Photo? Capture your essence in an image. A photo isn’t mandatory, but if you choose to include one, ensure it’s as charming and professional as you are!

Check our article for a clear example of what a CV should contain in the Netherlands here.

Our 7 steps

#1: Stick to a coherent structure

When it comes to creating a compelling CV, adhering to a coherent structure is paramount. The way you present your information can significantly impact how effectively your qualifications are communicated to potential employers. A structured CV ensures that essential details are easily accessible and logically organised, making it convenient for recruiters to grasp your professional journey at a glance. 

By following a consistent format, you enhance the readability and navigability of your CV, allowing recruiters to focus on your accomplishments, skills, and experiences without being overwhelmed by scattered information. So, when you’re wondering “how to make a CV,” remember that a well-structured layout serves as a strong foundation for showcasing your qualifications and making a lasting impression on prospective employers.

Wondering how you should structure your CV? Read our guide to CV structure, this gives you a clear example for your own CV. Of course, only include parts that are relevant to your target job and work experience. 

#2: Optimise your bullet points

Optimising your CV bullet points is a strategic approach that can elevate the impact of your CV. Writing your bullet points might be the single most difficult thing about a CV. What do you write? How do you keep it short, yet do you mention everything you need?

First of all, keep your bullet points concise and focused, highlighting key achievements and responsibilities for each role. Starting with strong action verbs helps you convey your accomplishments vividly and engage the reader. Wherever possible, make sure to quantify your achievements. This helps to provide a tangible sense of your contributions. 

Secondly, you need to prioritise the most relevant information to create a skimmable, reader-friendly format. People read from top to bottom, so make sure the most important information can be found first. Lastly, tailor your bullet points to align with the specific job description, emphasising skills and experiences that directly relate to the role you’re applying for. By following these practical tips, you’ll ensure that your CV bullet points are clear, compelling, and effectively communicate your value to potential employers.

 

Let’s quickly look at one example. We will assume you are a Java developer looking for a new role, and you want to showcase your skills and results. 

What should you not write?

• Worked on Java projects
• Did coding and testing.
• Attended meetings.

It makes sense why this doesn’t work, right? The bullet points are short, vague and don’t provide a clear understanding of the impact of the candidate’s work.

 

Let’s consider a good example (you can totally copy the format of this into your own resume).

• Led a cross-functional team of 5 developers in the successful delivery of a complex e-commerce platform, resulting in a 20% increase in user engagement.
• Implemented microservices architecture using Spring Boot, reducing application response time by 30% and enhancing scalability.
• Collaborated with QA team to implement automated testing, reducing testing time by 40% and improving code quality.

These bullet points excel for a few reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly specific, covering team, software, and impact details. Secondly, the outcomes are explicitly presented, giving recruiters a clear preview of what you bring to the table. Lastly, they highlight your progress tracking and growth mindset, which recruiters value. These points collectively demonstrate your commitment to learning, improvement, and delivering tangible results.

Extra: looking for a job? Take a look at our vacancies.

#3: Clearly state your skills

Recruiters spend 7.4 seconds per CV on average, therefore having your skills clearly presented helps them instantly identify your strengths. When listing your skills, categorize them into relevant sections, such as “Technical Skills” or “Soft Skills,” to ensure easy navigation. Be concise and specific in your descriptions, using industry-standard terms and keywords. For instance, as a Java Developer, specify programming languages, frameworks, and tools you’re proficient in. 

Additionally, consider showcasing skills that align with the job description and the company’s needs. This tailored approach ensures your CV resonates with the recruiter and underscores your suitability for the role. Remember, clarity in presenting your skills can significantly enhance your CV’s impact.

#4: Focus on keywords (especially those from the vacancy you’re applying for)

In today’s competitive job market, tailoring your CV to specific keywords is crucial. CV screening software often prioritises these keywords to filter and shortlist applicants. To ensure your CV stands out, begin by conducting keyword research. 

Start by identifying job postings similar to the roles you’re targeting. Extract key terms and requirements from these postings, and consider using a word cloud program to visualise which keywords are most prevalent. This strategy will provide a clear insight into the skills and qualifications employers are seeking. Once you’ve identified these keywords, strategically incorporate them throughout your CV, particularly in sections such as skills, experience, and qualifications. However, be genuine – only include skills you truly possess. 

Tailoring your CV in this manner enhances its compatibility with job descriptions and raises your chances of making it through the initial screening process. Remember, effectively aligning your CV with relevant keywords can significantly enhance your chances of being noticed by prospective employers.

Did you get an interview? Here are 5 crucial steps to acing your job interview. 

#5: Carefully consider the design

“Design becomes continually more important as competition for jobs increases year on year,” says James Innes, founder and chair of a career coaching business.

In other words, the significance of CV design cannot be underestimated in the job application process. Beyond content, your CV’s layout and structure carry substantial weight.

In a crowded applicant pool, a well-designed CV immediately grabs attention and conveys professionalism. A clear layout signals your commitment and organisational skills, building trust with employers.

Furthermore, an organised design enables swift information retrieval, showcasing your key attributes effectively. Furthermore, a visually appealing CV differentiates you in a competitive landscape, leaving a memorable mark on recruiters. By prioritising design, you enhance your chances of creating a lasting impact and increasing your job application success.

As you update your CV, critically evaluate its design. Is it visually appealing? Is the layout intuitive and user-friendly? Are your key skills highlighted effectively? Consider utilising sections, bullet points, fonts, and colours strategically to enhance the visual appeal. By investing in a thoughtful and appealing CV design, you amplify your chances of making a memorable impression on potential employers.

#6: Consider the length

A well-written CV should find a balance between comprehensiveness and conciseness. While there is no hard and fast rule, a CV of one to two pages is often recommended. This ensures that you give important information while keeping the content concise and easy to read for recruiters. Prioritise current and relevant experiences, and avoid cluttering your CV with information that could reduce its value. Remember, a concise CV encourages focused reading and highlights your most valuable qualifications.

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#7: Add your links (LinkedIn, work portfolio)

Enhance the effect of your resume by strategically include relevant links. Including a link to your LinkedIn page allows recruiters to learn more about your professional experience. If you have a professional portfolio that showcases your projects, adding a link to it might provide physical proof of your abilities. Consider including a link to a video resume to provide a dynamic view of your personality and communication abilities. These links strengthen your CV by providing a more in-depth grasp of your qualifications and increasing your chances of sticking out in a competitive job market.

Bonus: final checklist 

Crafting a standout CV is an art that requires attention to detail and strategic finesse. Ensure your document’s impeccable quality by 

• Check for errors. Thereby, you’ll leave no room for oversight. 
• Always tell the truth. Honesty is the foundation of trust, especially important when applying to a job.
• Keep your CV up to date. Constantly work to update, optimise and edit your CV. You want to have it ready whenever you need it.
• Refrain from lengthy texts. No hiring manager wants to spend a lot of time presenting information succinctly. 
• Make your CV easy to read. You can do this easily by picking a simple design or template to work from. You can enhance readability through clean formatting and structure.
• Organise your work experience. Your most recent experience needs to be at the top. Moreover, no one cares about your experience as dishwasher when you were 14.

Through these careful considerations, your CV will stand as a powerful reflection of your professional journey.

What’s next?

Getting rejection after rejection is hard. Now you know how to create the perfect cv, you’ll be all set for your next job interview. By following these 7 essential steps, you’ll transform your CV into a masterpiece that resonates with recruiters and sets you apart in a competitive landscape. Now, armed with these insights, take the next step towards your dream job by applying for enticing positions on our website. Your journey to success begins here!

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